This is a further cache in our 'Beaten Track' series along the track of the former Newport to Sandown railway line. This railway was closed in the 1960's but has since been surfaced and established as part of the cycle track between Cowes and Sandown. In turn this is part of National Cycle Route NCR23. This track is also known as the Red Squirrel Trail and these elusive animals can sometimes be seen here!
This cache is close to the former Merstone Junction station where the route to Ventnor West connected with the Newport to Sandown trains. Ironically, the Merstone to Ventnor West line was the last to be opened on the Isle of Wight in 1900 - and the first to be closed in 1952! Merstone station was eventually closed in 1956 but the platform of the former station remains virtually complete and the station area is currently (March 2019) being developed as a leisure area by Gift to Nature with seating and picnic facilities - and maybe even shelters.
More information about Merstone Station can be found at - www.disused-stations.org.uk/m/merstone/
There is a small car park used by walkers and cyclists using the track - this could also be used by Geocachers seeking out the several caches now in this area.
PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO DETACH THE CACHE CONTAINER FROM ITS SUPPORT!